· International dancer, Lourd Vijay who is a kidney transplant recipient began his Spreading Hope 45 day car drive across the country to encourage organ donationBengaluru, August 14, 2017: Young Indians Bengaluru Chapter, part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organized an event in the city which witnessed city’s top hospitals come together to spread awareness on organ donation and inspire one million Indians to Gift An Organ. Sankara Eye Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Columbia Asia, Apollo Hospitals, Sakra World Hospital & Manipal Hospitals participated in the event.

Though the first transplant was performed in 1954, we continue to be plagues with myths, which prevents over 5,00,000 Indians who lose their lives due to lack of organ donation& transplant.

A panel discussion with expert transplant surgeons explored why India's organ donation rate in 2016 stood at an abysmal 0.8 persons per million population compared to Spain's 36 per million. Lack of awareness, myths and expertise among doctors to harvest organs were attributed. Most families are distraught during the event of a death and are unable to think about the concept of Organ Donation. Grief Counsellors in hospitals and an implied consent that would enable organs to be harvested based on the wishes of the departed could help overcome this.

“Gift An Organ, is one of the key projects of Young Indians (Yi) to give the much needed impetus to create awareness on organ donation across the country. While great work is carried out by individual organisations, it is important for us to collaborate and we are overwhelmed with the support we have received today. We hope to inspire a Million Indians to pledge and Gift An Organ”, said Dr Kaushik Murali, Chair, Young Indians – CII, Bengaluru & President – Sankara Eye Foundation, India.

Usha (Name Changed) had reconciled to a world of darkness, as she was steadily losing the little vision she had since childhood. Keratoconus a structural abnormality had steadily made her blind. She shared, “My Gods are the family members of the person whose eye I received. Today I have a job and a life to look forward to thanks to the Corneal Transplant procedure I had at Sankara Eye Hospital, Bengaluru. If only more people donated their organs, many more like me would get another chance to live our life and contribute to India.”

International dance star Lourd Vijay, who underwent a kidney transplant, flagged off the ‘Spreading Hope Foundation Drive’. “Having received a new lease of life post undergoing the transplant I am embarking on a 45 day drive up to Kashmir & back, to spread word and encourage people to donate organs to save lives”, he said.

Young Indians, Bengaluru is among the 40 chapter across India which functions under the banner of Confederation of Indian Industry. Professionals, Entrepreneurs and members of corporate India volunteer at Yi towards Nation Building activities. This is achieved through thought leadership, youth leadership & various social projects. Yi provides a platform for informed citizens under the age of 40 to learn, network and contribute back to society. More information on www.yibangalore.com #YiBengaluru .yibangalore@cii.in

Gift An Organ is project of Young Indians that looks to raise awareness & information about organ donation. www.giftanorgan.org